Clemson University officials continue to closely monitor COVID-19 and are actively engaged in daily planning in an effort to inform and reduce the risk to faculty, staff, students and visitors from the virus. For continually updated information, please visit our COVID-19 website.
THIS WEEK IN SOUTH CAROLINA
The Senate and House met last week and gave approval to legislation immediately appropriating $45 million of state surplus dollars to the Department of Health and Environmental Control as part of the state’s response to the COVID-19 virus.
After a lengthy debate on the Senate floor, the Senate gave 2nd reading to a budget Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund state government at current levels in the event that the General Assembly is unable to pass the state budget by July 1. An objection was placed on the bill until a CR is absolutely necessary at a later date and only used to avoid a state government shutdown if the Senate is unable to meet.
Both chambers adjourned without setting a specific date to return to Columbia. Procedurally, the Speaker ordered a roll call vote for the House to adjourn pending the Call of the Chair (required 2/3 vote) which gives the House flexibility to return once things improve. House and Senate leadership committed to working together to bring the House and Senate back at the same time.
Governor McMaster issued new Executive Orders last week including the following items of interest to Clemson University and state agencies:
Requirements:
– State public universities and colleges to continue eLearning through Spring semester
– Directs all state agency heads to order all non-essential state employees to work from home starting Friday, March 20
– Emergency Procurement Authorization regulations have been suspended for state agencies
– Allowing state agencies to waive any regulations they need to in order to address the coronavirus crisis quickly
– Requiring restaurants and bars to close their dine-in service starting March 18. It is allowed, and recommended, that restaurants consider take-out, curbside, and delivery service
– Prohibiting organized events of 50 or more people to be held in any state, county, city or any publicly owned facility
– Requiring DHEC to waive regulations so hospitals can use medical and nursing school students to help in their operations
While not required, Gov. McMaster made the following requests:
– Requesting S.C. insurance companies to pay 100 percent of the costs associated with a coronavirus doctor’s office visit
– Requesting S.C. insurance companies to incentives doctors to treat patients with non-COVID-19 issues by telehealth
IMPACTS TO CLEMSON EXTENSION
Clemson Extension has announced out of an abundance of caution that all 46 of its county offices will be closed to the public.
The unprecedented step was taken for the health and wellbeing of clients, agents and staff and to slow the potential spread of the COVID-19 virus. The decision was made after consultation with Extension administrators, University officials, partnering agencies and stakeholders.
During the COVID-19 crisis, Extension agents have been instructed to visit clients only on an as-needed basis and with supervisor approval and will practice social distancing protocols recommended by public health officials.
Agents and staff will continue to be available by telephone and email. All Clemson University events, including Clemson Extension events, have been suspended through April 5.
BILLS OF INTEREST
The Clemson University Governmental Affairs office is monitoring several bills that have potential impact on Clemson. A complete listing of these bills may be found here. Click on the bill number for a description of the legislation, along with the bill’s current status.
NEWS AND FYI
Please follow CU at the Capitol on Twitter. Current news coverage of interest may be found here.